Happy Birthday to my MUMMY!
Ten things my mother has taught me...
1) To act like a lady (not that it has worked to well!). As a child I was always told to act like a lady. When I was on my mission she would end each letter with "Act like a lady! Love, Mom".
2) To forgive. She has an amazing capacity not only to forgive, but to love those she forgives.
3) To give. As a child I remember one Thanksgiving wondering why my mother was buying so many turkeys. That evening she had my me and my brothers take turns leaving a turkey on several doorsteps of families in our neighborhood. We would ring the doorbell and RUN. This is just one of THOUSANDS of examples of service she has given in her life.
4) To laugh. She has an amazing sense of humor. Her quick wit and ablility to laugh at life has helped our family get through even the toughest of times.
5) To yard sale. As a child my mother would come in my room every Saturday morning (during the "season") and beg me to go to yard sales with her. I moaned and groaned and declined most of the time. WHAT was I thinking?! We now enjoy going together and she has helped me find treasures and save money to provide for our family. I'm a true addict like my mother!
6) To never give up. Although she has had many tough times in her life, she has never given up. She often helps others to do the same.
7) To get healthy. In the last two years my mother has lost 90 pounds! She looks and feels amazing. Frankly, I'm quite jealous!! I am working hard to follow in her footsteps.
8) That the gospel is true. My mother and father provided me with the best gift I could ever receive...they taught me to love the gospel and took our family to church every week. I will forever be grateful for this priceless gift.
9) To be kind. My mother is kind to everyone. I know of no enemies in her life.
10) To be smart. She set the example of getting a college education. I always knew as a child that I wanted to go to college because my mom did. She is very smart (and wise, of course) and loves to read. She continues to do many things to keep her mind learning and gives hours and hours of time to genealogy work.
I LOVE YOU, MOM!!
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We spent the afternoon at Boondocks on my mom's birthday yesterday. The tickets were a thank you for Alta View Hospital employees. We had a blast and it was fun seeing my mom riding the race cars and spraying people with water on the squirt boats (she didn't want to get off!). My sister-in-law, Amy, also works at Alta View so we were able to hang out with my brother, Taylor and their children. Amy was not able to be there since she was helping her mother who wasn't feeling well. We missed her!
Fun on the squirt boats. I declined getting on the boats...someone had to sacrifice and take pictures. Everyone was drenched, especially Alex. Elli had no mercy on anyone, even the people standing in line!
Rachel, Colby, Lauryn, Elli and Ben on the miniature golf range.
Alex teaching Ben how to swing. 
Little Troy LOOOVED the BIG slide ------------
I asked Ben what his favorite part about Boondocks was and he said, "The sprayers on top of the toilets in the boys bathroom"!
